With the release of THE STRANGE CASE OF…, I fell in love with Lzzy Hale. So much so, in fact, that I jokingly got down on one knee and asked her to marry me at Rock On The Range two years ago (a proposal that she didn’t flat out turn down, so maybe there’s still hope!!). Let’s be

Contrary to popular belief and a lot of silly bits that I've done throughout the years on THE CLASSIC METAL SHOW and THE METAL SHOW respectively, I really am a fan of Doro. I loved her work in Warlock, and I like her work even more as a solo artist. I'm one of those guys that even liked that period where she tried to stop being metal and attempted to be more of a vocalist than the reigning queen of metal. But all that said, at what point do we just say "enough" to all these rehashes, reissues, and repackaging of her's (or any artists) greatest hits? I think now is as good a time as any.

UNDER MY SKIN is what it is - a collection of Doro tunes that fans have liked for years, have paid for at least twice, and really will only buy to support their favorite female artist. Again, love Doro and love the music, but grow tired of these retread double disc sets to introduce fans to "new" versions of classic songs or hits that we've already heard far too many times.

If you are into Doro, then you will immediately know most of these songs. You will also recognize that several of the better ones are new version which, quite frankly, are less appealing than their originals. The 2007 remake of "All We Are" is decent enough. To her credit, Doro sounds as good now as she did when she debuted back in the 80s. Also to her credit, she's built a best band she's ever had around her right now. All that said though, do we really need a new version of "All We Are", or is this just one of those royalty swaps so that she can get paid for the song under her name instead of splitting it with the old Warlock camp? Even worse is "I Rule The Ruins", a song that comes complete with the symphonic accompaniment. To me, this is the best song she ever did, and the last thing I ever want to hear is a bastardized version of the original. Throughout this two disc collection, you get hits, misses, remixes, re-recordings...a little bit of everything from Doro's career. If you own none of it, then this might be interesting for you. If you are like me, it's wasted space on a hard drive that already contains this with better packaging, better surrounding songs, and better versions of songs in a lot of occasions.

PITRIFF RATING - 60/100 - If you are a completist, give Doro's record company your $15 and get this. If not, buy the albums instead. Doro's career has been great for a very long time, so there's no need to really buy amalgamations of her career when the originals are far better.

Chris Akin

A look at one of the most polarizing, iconic and best selling albums of all time from author, rock critic and shock jock radio host Chris Akin.

Read Reviews and Excerpts from LITTLE VICTORIES: A TALE OF DIVORCE, DEBAUCHERY AND FINDING HAPPINESS HERE!

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